Motorsport Australia Speed Read - August 2022

SPEED READ A U G U S T

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RETURNS TO QUEENSLAND In its grand return, there will be a good mix of categories on show throughout the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships three-day event on 5-7 August.

MENTOR PROGRAM INSPIRING GIRLS IN MOTORSPORT After a successful opening campaign at this year’s Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, the Michelin Mentor program is well and truly in full flight.

HABYS DOMINATE ON HOME TURF South Australians Aaron and Chelsea Haby produced the perfect performance at last month’s 2022 Can-Am Loveday 400 to come away with an emphatic 12-minute victory.

M O T O R S P O R T . O R G . A U

FREE CRITICAL INCIDENT WEBINAR FOR OFFICIALS AND ORGANISERS Motorsport Australia will host a webinar outlining its critical incident processes on 10 August.

“NO ONE KNOWS YOUR P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

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INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance, available at shannons.com.au. The Target Market Determination is also available. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply.

The type of cover must be specified on your certificate of insurance. If you do not use your vehicle in accordance with the vehicle usage shown on your policy certificate you may not be covered in the event of a claim. Discounts do not apply to the optional Shannons Roadside Assist or CTP. SHFMA2101 17/9/21 A

CONTENTS 4

QLD Government supports Girls on Track events

6

Mentor program inspiring girls in motorsport

8

KYOSTAR safety harness warning

10

BMW Drivers Club open to all

12

Free critical incident webinar for Officials and organisers

14

What's on in August?

16

FDA a strategic part of Ferrari’s future championship hopes

18

Searcy and Nicoli storm to Grimwade victory

20

Graham named superstar for grassroots efforts

22

Ultimate Motorsport Prize returns in 2022

24

Watch the Tatts Finke Desert Race

26

Habys dominate on home turf

30

Gold City new for 2023 AORC

32

Bumper schedule awaits Shannons QR return

34

Chandler wins Dondingalong prize

36

Team Australia preparing For 2022 FIA Motorsport Games

38

Unstoppable Shane secures SA clean sweep

40

Gippsland to host ARC’s welcome to Victoria

4 10 18 26 36

COVER

With a number of high profile categories on show, including the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships event at Queensland Raceway features three days of action packed racing with more than 25 hours of track time.

Photo by Speed Shots Photography

275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au

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Photos: Jules Ingall

QLD GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS GIRLS ON TRACK EVENTS The FIA Girls on Track program made its way to Queensland last month with 70 girls aged between 8 – 15 years old attending the Inspire program.

Proudly supported through the Queensland Government’s Active Industry Project Fund (AIPF), the state’s Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport believed the FIA Girls on Track initiative provided diverse and inclusive opportunities to young girls and enhanced participation within motorsport.

Spread over two locations, the program was broken up into three sections with Norwell Motorplex hosting the Inspire and Pathways events, while Triple Eight Racing ran an Inspire event featuring a tour of its facilities.

Led by Triple Eight Team Co-owner and Girls on Track ambassador Jess Dane, there were a number of women within the industry who were on hand to help inspire the young girls.

Girls on Track Champions Charlie Bullis, Karyn Lun, Natasha Smith were joined by the likes of Ayesha Burke from Racing Together and representatives

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from Karting Australia for the karting session at Norwell Motorplex.

Triple Eight’s Sian Allison (T8) and Bella Tipping helped run the tour of the successful race team’s facility the following day. Girls on Track ambassador Nadine Armstrong also joined the team to educate the girls about presenting and journalism.

During the tour, the girls were given an exclusive insight into the team’s AMG section, before sitting in one of the Holden Commodore ZBs used in the Repco Supercars Championship.

The Pathways event ran at Norwell with 16 girls aged 15 – 22 years who got an exclusive networking afternoon with the Girls on Track team.

Giving speeches to the girls were Dane, Bullis, Lun, Smith, and Burke as well as other special guests including Karting Australia’s Lee Hanatschek, Photographer Jules Ingall and former Girls on Track Career Development and Mentoring participants Chantelle Lloyd and Ocean Tiesman.

Girls on Track ambassador, Krystina Emmanouilidis also attended virtually, discussing her journey to Formula One as an engineer.

The event couldn’t have been made possible without the support of the Queensland Government’s Queensland Government’s Active Industry Project Fund.

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FIA Girls on Track Champion Courtney Tyler with mentee Caitlin Neller

MENTOR PROGRAM INSPIRING GIRLS IN MOTORSPORT After a successful opening campaign at this year’s Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, the Michelin Mentor program is well and truly in full flight.

As part of the Michelin Mentor program, FIA Girls on Track’s Ambassadors and Champions are being paired up with girls who attend Girls on Track events across the country.

The program was launched in April at the Career Development and Mentoring event at Albert Park where the girls were treated to a number of development workshops, a meet and greet with the program’s ambassadors and champions, a tour of the Triple Eight Garage and a three-hour workshop with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN.

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10 lucky girls were then paired with FIA Girls on Track Ambassadors and since then, the mentors have been meeting up with the girls regularly via Zoom to discuss their goals, ambitions, and career aspirations within the motorsport industry.

Some of the ambassadors holding mentor roles include Triple Eight Race Engineering Co-Owner and RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship TV Presenter Jessica Dane and Triple Eight Racing Head of Operations and Technology Romy Mayer.

Having been an ambassador of the overall FIA Girls on Track program since its inauguration in 2018, Mayer believed the new mentoring initiative was a fantastic addition.

“The Girls on Track mentoring program is an amazing opportunity for girls to connect with women in the motorsport industry,” Mayer said.

“Adding incredible value to the next generation by a tailored one-to-one experience with a mentor in the field they would like to pursue a career in.

“The mentee receives direct guidance on their pathways and actionable next steps. Not only will they get to experience firsthand what their future job might be like, they also have the chance to build long lasting relationships with mentors who will guide them on their journey.

“I’m very proud to be a mentor for this unique program.”

While the mentoring program has been a hit for the mentors, it’s been just as effective for the mentees.

program, there have been many other FIA Girls on Track attendees getting real-life experience.

Elise Manewell, who has been spending time with Shannen Kiely, praised the Erebus Motorsport Managing Director for her leadership.

One of those is South Australian Caitlin Neller, who has been doing work experience on two occasions with Champion Courtney Tyler at Jam Motorsport.

“I was lucky enough to be selected after the event to be mentored by Shannen and I’ve been able to have Zoom meetings with her where she has given me further guidance on my career,” Manewell said.

“Not only will they get to experience firsthand what their future job might be like, they also have the chance to build long lasting relationships with mentors”

“Some of that has ranged from university advice and highlighting roles that I’d be suited to.

“Thank you to the Girls on Track team for this amazing opportunity.”

In addition to the 10 girls to receive mentorships as a result of the

"The part that I enjoyed most about the FIA Girls on track Program when I attended in March earlier this year was walking though Jam Motorsport’s workshop because when I walked into the workshop I didn’t feel out of place, it felt like home,” Neller said.

“I found all of the other activities engaging because they were hands on and that suited my learning style.

to me. Courtney has welcomed me into the world of motorsport with open arms, which showed me that the motorsport industry has so many career opportunities and it doesn’t matter that I’m a girl.

“I feel so lucky and privileged to have this amazing experience with the Jam family because the more experience that I can get, the easier it is to understand the sport and gain the knowledge to have a job in this industry.

“My goal at the moment is to try to get as much experience as possible in all areas of mechanical engineering in the motorsport industry, and I’m so thankful that Jam Motorsport are welcoming me back so I can do that.”

Click here for more information on the FIA Girls on Track Program.

“To be honest, I am so lucky to have Courtney as my mentor, she has been so supportive and nice

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7

KYOSTAR SAFETY HARNESS WARNING Motorsport Australia has received advice from the SFI Foundation regarding the non-compliance of a Safety Harness that is being sold on popular online sales platforms, claiming to be manufactured in compliance with SFI standards.

The KYOSTAR harnesses display SFI 16.1 conformance labels but do not conform to SFI Specification 16.1.

Motorsport Australia is aware that this Safety Harness is also on Australian online sales platforms and issues a caution to all competitors regarding the purchase of any safety equipment.

Any competitor who is not sure if a safety item is compliant should seek advice from Motorsport Australia by contacting: technical@motorsport.org.au.

Click here to read the SFI Notice regarding the KYOSTAR brand Safety Harness.

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The popular BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc held a successful ‘Come & Try and Driver Training Day’ last month, giving officials, drivers and future motorsport stars the opportunity to learn more about motorsport.

The July event was tailored to promote the club’s impressive E30 Racing Series, with the Broadford Motorsport Complex hosting the event.

Among those attending the event were Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca and State Administration & Participation Officer Chantel Collins who volunteered their time to officiate at the event.

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Arocca said days like these were vital to growing motorsport around the country.

“These ‘Come & Try’ days are such an important element for motorsport and we are so grateful to the clubs who run these events across the country,” Arocca said.

“I was pleased to be able to attend the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne event across the weekend and lend a hand as an official on the day which was a truly rewarding experience.

“While conditions were less than ideal, myself and Chantel were more than happy to be out officiating around the track with a number

of other volunteer officials to make sure the day ran smoothly.

“We’ve said it so many times and it’s certainly true – our volunteer officials are the lifeblood of our sport. Along with those clubs and club administrators who so willingly give up their weekends to make these events a success, everyone at Motorsport Australia is certainly grateful for what they do.

“We’re encouraging all our staff to get out and attend motorsport events wherever they can and this event in Broadford was the perfect opportunity for myself and Chantel to work on a flag point throughout the day and talk to so many passionate

Photo: Paul Holliday

BMW DRIVERS CLUB OPEN TO ALL

Photos: Paul Holliday

“Lending a hand as an official on the day was a truly rewarding experience” Motorsport Australia licence holders, both competitors and officials.

“Seeing new participants enjoying the day is also very promising, highlighting that the future of our sport is in great hands.”

Vice President of the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Jo Mawson said the day was a success.

“The BMW Drivers Club Melbourne and E30 Racing came together to introduce new members and up and coming drivers to the E30 category and also motorsport in general and we are very proud of how the day turned out,” Mawson said.

“We not only had Eugene and Chantel out on point as trainees, but there were a number of other volunteers who braved the cold to help us run the day.

"We would also like to thank Victorian Flag Marshalling team who attend all our motorsport events and do a wonderful job out on point.

“These days are extremely important for motorsport, as it give beginners an opportunity to learn in a relaxed environment both on track and as an official.

"We welcome Eugene and Chantel back again and any other motorsport enthusiast in fact. Anyone wanting to start a career in motorsport as an official is more than welcome to attend our events to learn more about what is involved."

“Yes, it’s fantastic to be able to officiate at Supercars events, but these events are where you learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friendships.

“We run training days throughout the year for officials and drivers and have one coming up in August, which is a classroom environment.

Click here for more information on the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 11

Photo: Revved Photography

FREE CRITICAL INCIDENT WEBINAR FOR OFFICIALS AND ORGANISERS Motorsport Australia will host a webinar outlining its critical incident processes on 10 August.

The webinar is designed for event organisers, officials and Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs, outlining the steps involved in managing a critical incident at a motorsport event.

To be held at 7pm (AEST) on 10 August, the three-hour webinar will cover a range of topics as well as outlining Motorsport Australia’s requirements for event organisers and officials.

to support those running events, as well as those first responders.

“While we all hope we won’t have to deal with a serious incident at a motorsport event, we do know that

“It is extremely important that everyone knows the processes in place and the Motorsport Australia requirements”

The webinar will feature a number of experienced Motorsport Australia staff and officials.

Throughout the evening, webinar attendees will be able to ask questions through the Q&A function.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the online session would provide important information

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they can happen and it is extremely important that everyone knows the processes in place and the Motorsport Australia requirements,” Smith said.

“Critical incidents can be stressful and Motorsport Australia has a well-established process in place.

This webinar will give those who may be familiar with the processes an important refresher, while

also providing those who may be new to senior positions at events with an understanding of what their responsibilities may be.

“We will also talk through the support on offer to those who do have to deal with a critical incident and how they can reach out to Motorsport Australia for further support.”

For those unable to make the webinar, a full replay will be available on the Motorsport Australia website in the following days.

The Critical Incident Webinar will be held on Wednesday, 10 August at 7pm AEST.

Click here to register for the Critical Incident Webinar.

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WHAT'S ON IN

AUGUST? NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

6-7 August: Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championship Round 5 6-7 August: IROAD / INNOVV NSW Hillclimb Championship Round 5 7 August: SDMA Club Hillclimb 7 August: Coffs Coast Khanacross Round 2 7 August: GSCC Show & Shine/Swap Meet 7 August: August Come N Try Motorkhana 13 August: Toyosports Dave’s Day/Night Autocross 13 August: Morgan Supersprint Round 5 CSCA Series 2022 13 August: BMW Drivers Club Driver Training and Supersprint Competition Round 5 2022 13 August: 2022 Lazer Rally of the Bay 13-14 August: Round 3 Tri Series 13 August: Double header Autocross 14 August: Motorkhana #4

14 August: MGCCN MK4 Dirt Motorkhana 17 August: Ricciardo's Racers 20-21 August: DSCC 2022 Autocross Series Round 7 21 August: PCNSW Tony McKnight Championship 2022 - Round 5 21 August: Grafton Sporting Car Club Hillclimb Series Round 4 27 August: Round 5 2022 Zestino Tires NSW Supersprint Championship 27 August: Fineform S1 Rallysprint 27-28 August: Jim Anderson Kempsey 300 28 August: MG Car Club Canberra Club Motorkhana 28 August: August Khanacross 28 August: Rallycross Round 3

QUEENSLAND

5-7 August: 2022 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Round 4

Events in many states may be postponed or cancelled due the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Please refer to government restrictions in your area and Motorsport Australia's Return To Race guidelines: motorsport.org.au/COVID19

4 August: Driver Education Day 6-7 August: TCAC Khanacross Series Round 3 6-7 August: Khanacross Round 4 2022 13-14 August: Bitumen Come and Try - Khanacross Series Round 2 14 August: Tamborine Khanacross 14 August: CRCC Show n Shine 14 August: Khanacross 14 August: MAC Dirt Sprints Round 5 20-21 August: 2022 Historic Leyburn Sprints 20-21 August: 2022 Ingham Toyota Forest Rally 21 August: GCMGCC Display Day 26-28 August: Pittsworth Sprints 2022 26-28 August: 2022 Queensland Circuit Racing State Championship Round 3 28 August: QLD Motorkhana Championship & Series

Photo: Roy Meuronen

NSW: 13 August - 2022 Lazer Rally of the Bay More than 50 crews will be taking on the popular Motorsport Australia NSW Rally Championship event, that will see them completing 150 competitive kilometres across 11 stages in the forests surrounding Batemans Bay.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

5-7 August: Pro 4x4 Wynarka Enduro 6 August: Cars & Coffee 6 August: August Run Day 7 August: Scout JDP and Come & Try Motorkhana 7 August: CARS Motorkhana 7 August: JDP Day #1 13 August: 2022 Copyworld Walky 100 Rally 13 August: WHYALLA KHANACROSS 14 August: MSCA - Supersprint Round 3 14 August: SEAC MOTORKHANA SERIES 2022, ROUND 3 17-18 August: Dubs on the River 21 August: Ray Pank Winter Cup 4 26-28 August: SA Motorsport Series Round 2 (Classic) 28 August: [NT] TEDA Round 4

TASMANIA

13-14 August: 2022 Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship – Round 4 20 August: Lufra Regularity Hillclimb 21 August: Autocraft Baskerville 1000 27 August: Motor Sports Club of Tasmania Khanacross Series Round 4

Photo: Trapnell Creations

TAS: 20-21 August - 2022 Historic Leyburn Sprints The annual community-run event celebrating the 1949 Australian Grand Prix will once again take place in Leyburn where 15,000 visitors will watch 200 historic, classic and performance cars race around the one kilometre street circuit and against the clock.

VICTORIA

5-7 August: August Access 2022 5-7 August: Winton Festival of Speed 6-7 August: SDCC/SHSCC Interclub Autocross Come & Try 6-7 August: 2022 NGK Victorian Motorkhana Championship Round 6, and 2022 Group5 Non Speed Series Round 7 7 August: Avalon Motorkhana Round 4 7 August: MACEDON OBSERVED SECTION TRIAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP— ROUND #9 12-14 August: 2022 Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship Round 4 13-14 August: 22 OST 8 John Pryce Trial 13 August: MADCC Round 5 19-21 August: Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint 19 August: Girls on Track 21 August: MSCA Super Sprint 27-28 August: Gippsland Rally 28 August: 2022 Victorian Hillclimb Championship Round 7 28 August: Rob Roy Observed Section Trial - 2022 Club Championship - Round #12

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

7 August: SWTCC Round 3 13 August: Infinite Time Attack

Photo: Revved Photography

VIC: 5-7 August - Winton Festival of Speed It's been quite some time since Winton Motor Raceway was able to host its popular Winton of Speed festival, but the event finally runs this month and around 300 cars are expected to put a show for fans across a number of classic categories.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 15

FDA A STRATEGIC PART OF FERRARI’S FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES As one of the leading teams in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Scuderia Ferrari is always on the lookout to find a future world champion and its Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) is the first port of call for that search.

Since its inauguration, the FDA has held selection programs all around the world with the final stop being the World Scouting Finals in Maranello where a winner will be chosen to join the Academy.

However, the FDA isn’t just a life changing opportunity for the winning driver, it’s an important part of the Italian giant’s goal of housing world champions.

Ferrari’s Formula 1 Racing Director Laurent Mekies revealed that putting

“It's actually a very tricky exercise to select young kids for the Academy because even though we have a very structured scouting program, which involves testing 10 of the best young drivers from around the world for the final, we only get them in Fiorano for a week, which is a very small picture.

“The Academy is a strategic key program for us. It’s a way to give back to the sport and to make sure we have the best drivers available”

This year, Motorsport Australia will be running the Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program for aspiring 14 to 17-year-old drivers and the event will take place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in September.

an emphasis on the Academy would go a long way in helping unlock the potential of future world champions.

Applications for the regional selection program are now being accepted until 10 August, with 24 successful applicants to be chosen for the threeday event where they will be evaluated on their driving, fitness and media skills.

“The goal of the academy is quite simple really and it’s to source drivers who may be able to win one day with Scuderia Ferrari - it may sound trivial but that is the only reason why we have an academy,” Mekies explained.

Two representatives from the Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program will then head to the team’s base in Maranello where they will be up against other drivers from other regions such as Europe, South America and North America.

“The first thing that comes after the goal of the Academy is how we think the driver can grow because we believe in growth and we believe that by providing the boys and girls with the right environment, we will develop their skills.

Australian James Wharton was the winner of the first World Scouting Finals in 2020 and the Victorian has been reaping the benefits of being selected, with a seat in the Italian and German F4 Championships for Prema Racing.

“But it’s not just their general skills, we believe they will go faster because we invest a lot of our energy to create an environment where we enhance their culture to make them blend with our world.

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“The Academy is a strategic key program for us. It is close to our values, it’s a way to give back to the sport and it’s a way to make sure we have the best drivers available in a few years’ time.

“It’s also a picture of where they are only now, so we try to detect their potential and not so much who's going the fastest now, because who knows what's going to be the case in five years.

“It is all about who has within themselves the potential to develop.”

The Academy is well renowned for promoting and funding young talent with some of the individuals to be part of it including F1 stars Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher and current Scuderia Ferrari test driver Robert Shwartzman.

The Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program takes place at Sepang in Malaysia on 25-28 September.

Applications are being accepted until 10 August and can be done here.

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Photo: Jarrod Sierociak

SEARCY AND NICOLI STORM TO GRIMWADE VICTORY 18 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

The 2022 Motorsport Australia West Australian Rally Championship resumed in Grimwade last month with 38 crews taking part in the third round of the season.

The Grimwade rally consisted of eight stages across 120 kilometres and in the end, it was Ben Searcy and Daymon Nicoli who took out the overall victory after a consistently strong performance.

Right throughout the day, Searcy was setting the benchmark with wins on six of the eight stages, however the win wasn’t without its challenges.

Photos: Jarrod Sierociak

Searcy started well with an eightsecond opening stage win before rivals Craig Rando and Scott Beckwith charged to the lead with 44-second victory on the next stage.

Although Rando was out, there was a new driver in the hunt for a stage win, Dylan King and Shaun McMacken steering their Subaru STI to a onesecond victory over the leader.

Unfortunately, the stage also witnessed a high profile DNF when Max McRae and Mac Kierans crashed out.

Not to be outdone, Searcy and Nicoli went on to win the remaining three stages, storming to a overall victory of more than five seconds.

Searcy went on to win the next two stages and was a handed a major boost when Rando was forced to retire after suffering mechanical issues.

Rewarded for their consistency across the weekend, Garry Whittle and Ryan Doe ended up taking out second place, while the Peugeot 208 of Peter

Rullo and James Marquet finished in third place overall after a very strong run across all eight stages.

The next round of the Motorsport Australia West Australian Rally Championship is the Karri Rally in Manjimup on 20 August.

Click here for full results.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19

GRAHAM NAMED SUPERSTAR FOR GRASSROOTS EFFORTS Supercheap Auto Of f icial Superstar: Graham Adam

GRAHAM ADAM Graham was nominated by several of his peers to be chosen as this month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar.

Graham is from the New South Wales WRX Club and serves as a Clerk of the Course and qualified Motorsport Australia official. Always putting in 110 per cent effort, Graham organises events, does lots of planning and assists new members of the club. He even occasionally gets behind the wheel and mixes in some driving.

Club: New South Wales WRX Club

“Volunteer officials are one of the backbones of motorsport and along with organising committees, we make it happen for the competitors,” Graham said.

“Recognition of this comes in many ways and this award is wonderful to receive.

“I think there are so many other officials I know who are also deserving and I hope we can get to recognise them too.

Described as very friendly and approachable, while having the strong ability to run and lead high quality events including the SubiNats, Graham has great planning, event management and coordination skills to ensure all motorkhana events are run safely, smoothly and organised.

“The one "reward" I have received for my volunteering already is one that I treasure above all others. Life Membership of the NSW WRX Club was awarded in 2015 and I continue to be involved in assisting them and their members in these entry level events every chance I can get.”

While he is known for volunteering week in and week out at grassroots events, Graham has also been an official at the highest level, which included volunteering at at Rally Australia on the Coffs Coast for seven years.

Congratulations to Graham on being this month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar, who has won a $200 Supercheap Auto Gift Card and a commemorative pin for his outstanding efforts as a Motorsport Australia official.

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“Volunteer officials are one of the backbones of motorsport and along with organising committees, we make it happen” Motorsport Australia officials are encouraged to submit a story about how they went above and beyond at an event they attended.

The chosen official will get their story submitted in Speed Read. A commemorative pin and a $200 Supercheap Auto gift card to spend at any Supercheap Auto store.

Click here to submit your story about going above and beyond at a Motorsport Australia event

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ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT PRIZE RETURNS IN 2022 One of the best prize packs in motorsport has returned for a second year running, with all proceeds going to a worthy cause.

A lucky fan will be given the opportunity to win the ultimate Recpo Bathurst 1000 experience as part of an ultimate motorsport raffle prize being offered

by Pirtek to support St Vincent’s Hospital.

Motorsport Australia is among a host of motorsport organisations backing the charity raffle, including Pirtek, Speedcafe, Shell V-Power Racing Team, Supercars and the National Motor Racing Museum.

we know the funds raised will assist them to continue their great work.

“Last year, even during the pandemic, we were able to sell a large number of tickets and I know our winner and his friend had the time of their lives.

“We know the funds raised will assist St Vincent’s and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit to continue their great work”

Tickets are available for $20 each at ultimatemotorsportprize.com.au With only limited tickets on sale, fans are being encouraged to get in quick.

Pirtek CEO Stephen Dutton said he was expecting an enormous response to the 2022 offering, following the success in 2021.

“We established the inaugural raffle last year and after the response we knew we had something special which could become an annual highlight for Australian motorsport fans," said Dutton.

"Our commitment is to support St Vincent’s and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit and 22 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

"We have to thank all the stakeholders for again getting involved. Every part of the prize is donated which means 100% of proceeds raised go directly to St Vincent's.

“I don’t think there is much more we could offer.

Whatever you can think of, it’s part of this outstanding prize and we love the idea that a raffle provides everyone with the chance to win.”

The winner will receive a mountain of perks and more at the biggest national motorsport event, the Repco Bathurst 1000.

A second and third place prize are also available for those entered in the raffle, with details on the raffle’s website.

Click here to buy tickets and see more about the Ultimate Motorsport Prize.

THE ULTIMATE BATHURST PRIZE INCLUDES: •

Return flights and accommodation to the Bathurst 1000

•

Wave the green starter’s flag for the Bathurst 1000

•

A tour of Motorsport Australia Race Control with Race Director James Taylor

•

A lap of Mount Panorama in the BP Safety Car

•

Three day Supercars Paddock Club Access

•

Meet the race winners in Pirtek Victory Lane

•

Behind the scenes tours of the circuit, Supercars TV compound and the Dick Johnson Racing Garage

•

Helicopter flight at the event

•

Access to the pre-race grid walk

Return trip to the 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 from the winner’s nearest Australian capital city

VIP (after hours) tour of the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama

2 nights accommodation

Supercars pit stop experience

Wave the green starter’s flag for the Bathurst 1000

VIP tour of the Dick Johnson Racing Garage

Ride around Mount Panorama in the Supercars’ Safety Car

Helicopter flight around Mount Panorama

3-Day Supercars Paddock Club access Presentation of the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge trophy on Friday Night Meet the race winners in PIRTEK Victory Lane

Access to the grid for the grid walk A personal tour of the Supercars TV compound A photo taken with the Peter Brock Trophy on the podium A visit to Race Control

Behind the scenes tour of Mount Panorama - including visit to the top of The Mountain and the podium

A signed photo with the race winners

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

2 x Corporate Paddock Club tickets, 2 x course car rides, 2 x grid walks at 2023 Supercars event of your choice in Australia or New Zealand and a PIRTEK Racing Merchandise pack.

2 x General Admission tickets to a 2023 Supercars event of your choice in Australia or New Zealand and a PIRTEK Racing Merchandise pack.

PIRTEK merchandise pack

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

WATCH THE TATTS FINKE DESERT RACE The highly anticipated extended highlights show for the 2022 Tatts Finke Desert Race is now available to watch free via 7Plus.

Featuring a range of feature interviews, highlights, onboard footage and results, the program gives viewers a fascinating raw insight into the

emotion of competing in the iconic desert race that took place in June.

Serving as the third round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship, fans can re-live all the action-packed drama across the event, which saw plenty of thrills and spills during the three days.

This year's running of the famous race saw Toby Price go back-to-back in his trophy truck, taking his total victories at Finke to eight after winning the race six times on two-wheels in previous years.

Winning the bikes component of the race for the second-year running was hometown hero David Walsh, who took the lead early on the first day and never looked back.

Although there was plenty of excitement surrounding the winners of the famous race, this year saw a

24 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

huge field of more than 160 cars taking on the harsh Australian desert, with competitors from all corners of the country congregating in Alice Springs.

New Zealanders will also be able to watch it from the comfort of their own homes with the show to air on Sky Sports NZ in the coming weeks.

The BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship continued late last month with the Can-Am Loveday 400, which fans will be able to watch the extended highlights for later this month.

Click here to watch the Tatts Finke Desert Race extended highlights.

ENJOY YOUR DRIVE.

m1oils.com.au

HABYS DOMINATE ON HOME TURF

26 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photos: Bob Taylor

South Australians Aaron and Chelsea Haby produced the perfect performance at last month’s CanAm Loveday 400 to come away with an emphatic 12-minute victory.

- Brad and Paris Gallard, who also came away with the Extreme 2WD win, and Garry Turnbull, who picked up his first AORC podium in 30 years alongside daughter Tamara.

Haby was in a league of his own during the fourth round of the 2022 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (APRC) season, having led from start to finish to win all six sections.

Remarkably, neither one of those two crews were expecting a podium finish until the final laps, when both Ryan Taylor and Shannon Rentsch faced multiple issues that saw them lose their respective positions.

“It feels pretty awesome,” Haby said.

The two drivers were locked in an entertaining battle for second place all weekend, with Rentsch

“It’s a very proud moment for the team. The car was built in Australia and it’s absolutely brilliant.

and father Ian having a 30-second edge over Taylor and Kye Floyd heading into the final section.

Taylor was the first of the two to have issues, his buggy having wiring problems seven kilometres into the final section. Fortunately, he was able to get the car going again and lost only 20 minutes.

Rentsch’s issue on the other hand proved to be terminal with his buggy experiencing untreatable overheating, which saw him retire on the final lap.

“I am actually feeling pretty good physically, I could go out and do a few more laps to be honest.

“Being my home track would have been an advantage in the early stages, however once you do that first lap, you pretty much know where to go. Overall though, it’s fantastic.

“I am absolutely stoked and winning it with my daughter was fantastic.”

While the Habys cruised to a solid victory on their home course, making up the podium behind them were another two South Australian crews

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 27

It was a cruel blow to both of their AORC campaigns, although Taylor remains in the hunt for a maiden AORC title after salvaging a top 10 finish, with championship leader Jake Swinglehurst also having trouble.

Swinglehurst and navigator Kate Swinglehurst had a tough start to the weekend, with a rollover on Prologue and an off during the opening day.

Making up the rest of the outright top 10 behind the Swinglehursts were Performance 2WD winners Chris Pickert and Byron Brown, Ally Howells and Sarah Corrigan in ninth and Pooncarie Desert Dash winners Taylor and Floyd.

“I am absolutely stoked and winning it with my daughter was fantastic”

The Queenslander managed to recover on Sunday, punching good laps to work his way back into seventh outright.

Finishing the event in fourth place after Turnbull’s incredible final section were Mel and Liam Brandle – the duo also winning the Prolite class.

Behind them, West Australians Brent Smoothy and Reese Burgess ended up taking out fifth outright, while 2019 AORC runner-up Roydn Bailey and Tyson Warner overcame a rough start to the event to finish sixth.

28 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Just missing out on a top 10 finish was Josh Wiedman and Steven Walton, however the youngster didn’t walk away empty handed, finishing with KINCROME SXS Motorsport Australia Championship honours.

The next round on the AORC calendar is the Hindmash Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro on 2-4 September.

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 Aaron Haby/Chelsea Haby/Toby Cooper 2. Brad Gallard/Paris Gallard 3. Garry Turnbul/Tamara Turnbull 4. Mel Brandle/Liam Brandle 5. Brent Smoothy/Reese Burgess 6. Roydn Bailey/Tyson Warner 7. Jake Swinglhurst/Kate Swinglehurst 8. Chris Pickert/Byron Brown, 9. Ally Howells/Sarah Corrigan 10. Ryan Taylor/Kye Floyd 1.

CLASS WINNERS Pro Buggy: Aaron Haby/ Chelsea Haby/Toby Cooper Prolite: Mel Brandle/Liam Brandle Extreme 2WD: Brad Gallard/Paris Gallard SXS Pro: Josh Wiedman/Steven Walton SXS Sport: Eden Evans/ Shannon Jennings

Click here to view the full results.

Production 2WD: Warren Luff/ Anthony Ramunno Performance 2WD: Chris Pickert/Byron Brown Sportslite: Rod Visser/Kodi Visser Super 1650: Connor Corrigan/Ryder Taylor

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Photo: NQMS MEDIA

GOLD CITY NEW FOR 2023 AORC The BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) will welcome a new event to its calendar next year, the Gold City 450.

Organised by the North Queensland Off Road Association, the new event will be based out of the club’s home location in Charters Towers and will act as the AORC’s sole visit to Queensland for the 2023 season and beyond.

While an exact date for the event is yet to be confirmed, the format will stick to the traditional off road two-day style with Prologue and the first of three sections to take place on the Saturday, while the remaining two sections will run on the Sunday.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased to welcome the event to the AORC.

30 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“As such, Charters Towers will be the only round to take place in Queensland next year, meaning that unfortunately the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 will no longer be on the calendar.

“We have already seen how positive the inclusion of a new event can be with Pooncarie exceeding the expectations of crews this year, and I have no doubt that Charters Towers will do the same next year.”

North Queensland Off Road Association Treasurer Don Young was excited to have the AORC heading to Charters Towers in 2023.

“Hosting a national round next year will be a first for the North Queensland area”

Charters Towers will be the fourth newest addition to the AORC since 2020, with the brand new Coomealla Memorial Club and Bendigo Bank Pooncarie Desert Dash and the Can-Am Loveday 400 aving already run this year, while the Kalgoorlie Desert Race will finally get its national debut later this year, having been announced in 2019.

“We’re excited to welcome Charters Towers to the AORC and we are

looking forward to this newest chapter in the ever evolving journey of the championship,” Smith said.

“I would like to sincerely thank the South East Queensland Off Road Racing Association for its hard work and dedication in running what has been a great event since joining the AORC calendar in 2017.

“As for Charters Towers, the team at the North Queensland Off Road Association has plenty of experience in running successful events and have instilled plenty of confidence in us that they will do a wonderful job in representing the national championship.

“We are absolutely honoured to be able to host a round of the AORC in 2023 and this is a fantastic result for our club,” Young added.

“A big thank you must go out to Motorsport Australia and the AORC for having faith in us to run a successful event and we will work hard to make it one worthy of being a national round.

“Hosting a national round next year will be a first for the North Queensland area and our team is confident the best crews in Australia will enjoy it.

“We have already received lots of support from the Charters Towers Council, who are really getting behind the initiative and we are excited for what it will do for the region.”

More details on the Gold City 450 in Charters Towers will be released in the coming weeks.

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

BUMPER SCHEDULE AWAITS SHANNONS QR RETURN 32 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Tickets for the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships' first event in more than two months are still available for purchase.

With a number of ticketing options available for the highly anticipated return of national motorsport to the revamped Queensland Raceway, fans are encouraged to head to Ipswich to see a new chapter in Queensland motorsport written.

In its grand return, there will be a good mix of categories on show throughout the three-day event, some of which are well into their 2022 campaigns.

Some of those entering the pointy end of their respective seasons include the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Turtle Wax Trans Am Series and Radical Cup Australia, the latter of which makes its first appearance at the circuit since 2012.

The other categories on the bill include the Fanatec GT World Challenge, Australia (Motorsport Australia GT Championship), Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and GC Marine Australian Prototype Series – all of which are still early in their seasons.

Rounding out the list of categories are Australian Production Cars, which bring back its traditional and exciting Queensland Raceway night race to be held on Saturday evening.

With a number of high profile categories on show, it means three days of action packed racing awaiting fans with more than 25 hours of track time making up the busy schedule.

The action begins on Friday at 8.30am AEST, with a day of practice and qualifying, before Saturday sees more than 12 hours of track time from 7.30am – 7.45pm. The final day of action on Sunday begins at 8.45am, with the final race – TCR’s third – starting at 4.10pm.

Tickets for the event are available at motorsporttickets.com.au, while those unable to make it to the event will be able to watch the action via Stan Sport’s Speed Series broadcast.

Click here to view the schedule.

Click here to buy tickets.

The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships takes place at Queensland Raceway on 5-7 August.

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 33

Photo: Gears and Wheels Photography

CHANDLER WINS DONDINGALONG PRIZE David Chandler has won the second round of the Motorsport Australia NSW Off Road Championship in Dondingalong last month after a convincing performance.

With 35 crews taking part in the five-section Dondingalong Off Road Challenge, Chandler secured a oneminute victory over Darren Williamson, while Thomas Dixon rounded out the top three a further 10 seconds behind.

Despite taking out the victory, Chandler only picked up two outright section wins across the day – with the remaining three going to SXS Pro driver Phil Lovett.

34 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Lovett was undoubtedly one of the fastest throughout the day, however because he only finished two of four laps in the opening section, his hopes of an outright victory were dashed early on.

Although Chandler ended up running away with the event, the battle for third was the closest, with only ten seconds separating Williamson and Dixon, the former going faster in three of the sections.

Justin Guy and Adam Jiear enjoyed a tight battle for fourth place, with the former winning by just four seconds, although Jiear would have

left the event full of confidence after taking out the SXS Pro class.

Finishing eighth was Richard Wilton, who produced an outstanding display to win the Super1650 class, while Jake Megaloconomos rounded out the top 10 and won the Sportman class.

Other class results saw Tait Svenson take out Prolite honours, Kevin Chant the SXS Sport win, Darren Blackburn the Production 2WD class and Mich.

Michael Baxter the Production 4WD class and Brendan Hill the Sportslite.

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TEAM AUSTRALIA PREPARING FOR 2022 FIA MOTORSPORT GAMES Motorsport Australia will again field a team of Australians to compete in the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games, with the first team members now confirmed.

Stephen and Brenton Grove will again represent their country in the GT discipline, the pair backing up their 2019 bronze medal at the most recent version of the Games.

Motorsport Australia can also confirm that Stephen Grove will take on the honour of being the Team Captain at the event, which will be based at Circuit Paul Ricard in France in October.

“I’m really excited to be returning to the FIA Motorsport Games in 2022 to represent Australia once again,” Stephen said.

36 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“Personally, the added bonus will be the privilege of being Team Captain. I look forward to working with all of Australia’s competitors and hope we can bring home some great results for our country.”

Brenton was also eager to take on the best in the world.

“We were quite disappointed when the last two games were cancelled due to Covid, so I’m thrilled to be back in France,” Brenton said.

“We know the car much better now and have some experience at the track so we’re hopeful of another podium finish for our country.”

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith congratulated the Groves for again proudly representing their country.

“Stephen and Brenton are great ambassadors for our sport and following on from their success at the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games, we are proud to have them representing both the country and Motorsport Australia at this year’s games in France,” Smith said.

“Stephen is also the obvious choice for Team Captain, given his significant experience in all facets of motorsport, as well as the passion and drive he has to perform, no matter the category he might be competing in.

Photos: Xynamic, SRO / Patrick Hecq Photography

“We’re hopeful of announcing more competitors in the coming weeks and certainly encourage anyone else eager to take part to reach out to us to find out more.”

This will be the second time the FIA Motorsport Games take place in its current form, following a successful debut in 2019 in Italy. There, Australia ended the event equal second, having claimed a gold medal in Esports, as well as the Grove’s bronze medal in GT. Prior to that, the Groves also competed in the FIA GT Nations Cup, when the event only featured GT racing before growing in to the larger event it is today.

The expanded games in 2022 means even more disciplines and more competitors will be able to take place across 17 motorsport categories.

While Motorsport Australia will provide various support in the lead up to and during event, competitors

will be required to fund their own entry and event budget.

Motorsport Australia will also confirm details of the selection process for the Digital/Esports category shortly, with a local competition to take place to find the potential Australian entrant.

The event will also be broadcast in Australia, with specific details to be confirmed soon.

The 2022 FIA Motorsport Games will take place in France on 26-30 October.

Any interested competitors should email communications@ motorsport.org.au for more information and cost estimates.

2022 FIA MOTORSPORT GAMES CATEGORIES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GT GT Sprint Touring Car (TCR) Endurance Formula 4 Rally2 Rally4 Historic Rally Karting Sprint Sr Karting Sprint Jr Karting Endurance Karting Slalom Cross Car Jr (off road) Cross Car Sr (off road) Auto Slalom Drifting Digital/Esports

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37

Photo: Edge Photographics

UNSTOPPABLE SHANE SECURES SA CLEAN SWEEP Shane van Gisbergen has edged ever so closer to the Repco Supercars Championship title after a dominant weekend at The Bend Motorsport Park.

In both Race 21 and Race 22, the championship leader went long on his starting tyres, which helped him gain track position and fresh tyres towards the end of the race.

His third victory for the weekend not only secured his clean sweep, but helped Holden to an unassailable 121-point lead in the Manufacturers' Championship – earning them the title.

With three races forming part of last month’s OTR Supersprint, van Gisbergen enjoyed a clean sweep of victories to leave South Australia with a 354-point advantage.

The weekend’s final race was struck with rain and started under the safety car, but van Gisbergen wasn’t affected, overtaking pole sitter Cameron Waters not long after the restart.

"That was awesome, racing someone who has nothing to lose," van Gisbergen said post the final race.

Although he didn’t get on pole on any occasion, the Kiwi was just too good when it came to the actual races, with exceptional strategy and good pace the key to his success.

The Championship leader skipped out to a four second lead which turned to an eight second lead by the time the chequered flag came around.

38 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

"What an awesome weekend, can’t thank the team enough.

"Man, what an awesome weekend."

Outside of van Gisbergen, the best other performer for the event was Chaz Mostert, who picked up two

Photos: Edge Photographics

podiums and a top 10 finish - his best result coming in the middle race of the weekend, where he climbed up four spots to place only behind van Gisbergen.

Cam Waters was another decent performer during the round with two pole positions, however he wasn’t able to capitalise on either.

Instead the Victorian ended up with two P4s and a runner-up finish.

Other OTR podium places saw Will Davison cross the line in second for race one, James Courtney in third for race two, and Brodie Kostecki also in third for race three.

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Shane van Gisbergen - 2091 points Anton De Pasquale - 1737 Cameron Waters - 1711 Will Davison - 1657 Chaz Mostert - 1480 Broc Feeney - 1389 David Reynolds - 1354 Andre Heimgartner - 1210 Brodie Kostecki - 1193 Tim Slade - 1145

OTR SUPERSPRINT RACE 21 1.

2.

3.

Shane van Gisbergen Will Davison Chaz Mostert

RACE 22 1.

2.

3.

Shane van Gisbergen Chaz Mostert James Courtney

RACE 23 1.

2.

3.

Shane van Gisbergen Cam Waters Brodie Kostecki

The Repco Supercars Championship continues later this month with the Penrite Oil Sandown Supersprint on 19-21 August.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39

GIPPSLAND TO HOST ARC’S WELCOME TO VICTORIA

After the disappointing cancellation of last month’s Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) bounces back this month with the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally.

Taking place towards the end of August around the forests of Heyfield, the two-day rally serves as an endurance event, where crews will be completing 170 competitive kilometres.

The rally will begin with a long day with crews to tackle eight stages and 121 competitive kilometres, before the remaining 49 kilometres are run on Sunday over six stages, including the EROAD Power Stage.

Outside of official competition, crews will have the opportunity for testing on Thursday 25 August before reconnaissance on Friday 26 August.

While entries for the Victorian based round are being accepted until 12 August, a number of ARC crews have already locked themselves in.

40 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: Wishart Media

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the best rally crews from Australia in Victoria for the first time since 2019” Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia stars Harry and Lewis Bates, young guns Taylor Gill, Ryan Williams, Aidan Peterson and Troy Dowel and Queenslanders Cahal Carey and Ronald Bustard amongst those to get in early.

With the Motorsport Australia Victorian Rally Championship also being held, a number of state crews have confirmed their entry, including Adrian Stratford and Luke Sytema.

Clerk of Course Andrew Roseman was excited to have the national championship back in Victoria.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the best rally crews from Australia in Victoria for the first time since 2019,” Roseman said.

“We’re getting lots of support from the shire who are fully on board with the event and they are keen to greet the competitors at the Ceremonial start on the Saturday morning.”

“The roads are looking pretty good at the moment and are in great condition, although we had to reconfigure the testing roads due to some environmental issues.

This event will mark the first time the ARC has been held in Victoria since the 2019 Pedders Eureka Rush, which was held in Ballarat.

“Because of this, there will be some limitations on testing numbers, so we encourage crews to book in pretty early, but outside of that, the event looks really good.

“Being an endurance round, there will be the extra challenge of getting through the full event for crews, so that will add another exciting element to the event.

State Competitors will contest Saturday’s stages over two heats.

The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally takes place in Heyfield, Gippsland on 27-28 August.

Click here for more information and to enter the 2022 Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally Gippsland.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 41

CONTACT US The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au

l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.

SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read.

If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read.

Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!

42 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

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